Towson University middle hitter Christina Grempler went toe-to-toe with some of the top volleyball players in the nation Tuesday night, when she and the Tigers hosted third-ranked UCLA at the Towson Center.
The fifth-year senior finished with 10 kills and a match-high seven blocks, but the visiting Bruins proved too much in a 32-30, 30-23, 30-25 victory. Still, Grempler walked away from the experience feeling like she became a better player ready to help lead Towson on a run toward the Colonial Athletic Association title.
Grempler?s performance against UCLA was also just the latest chapter in a college career that far surpassed anything she did while playing in high school at Severna Park, where she wasn?t even considered the best player on her team.
The 6-foot-3 Grempler, a biology major, credits many people with helping her reach her potential, including her club coaches through the years, former Towson coach Chris Riley and current coach Paul Koncir.
“I have really learned a lot the last five years,” said Grempler, one of three Towson co-captains. “I?ve gotten a lot of support and started doing strength training, which I never did in high school. Also, [Koncir] really helped me be a better blocker, while coach Riley helped me improve my hitting.”
Through Tuesday?s match, Grempler had 61 blocks and is now fourth on Towson?s career list in that category with 386. She is also coming off a year where she led the CAA in total blocks (160) and hitting percentage (.356) en route to all-CAA second-team honors.
Koncir, who became Towson?s ninth volleyball coach in school history this summer, said having players like Grempler and setter Kimberly Snider on his roster has made his transition from George Mason?s top assistant to leading the Tigers much smoother than it otherwise might have been.
“Christina is a very disciplined player now, especially when it comes to blocking,” said Koncir, who has led Towson to a 7-3 record through Tuesday. “She just knows where to move now.”
Grempler said she is just as proud of the progress of Towson?s program overall as she is with her individual accomplishments. The Tigers have a chance to win at least 20 matches for the sixth straight season after going 130-35 over the previous five years, which included winning the 2001 America East title and 2004 CAA title.
“We have come so far the last five years and have gotten so much more respect,” Grempler said. “By playing like we did against UCLA, we showed we can play with anyone.”
Gempler notes
» Grempler?s total of 386 career blocks is 180 behind Towson?s all-time leader, Liz Goubeaux, who compiled 566 in 2001-04.
» Grempler helped lead Severna Park to a 20-1 record and an appearance in the state finals during her senior year. She also competed on the track team in high school.
